Momentive moving out of Wilton

Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is moving out of Wilton and into a brand new state-of-the-art technology center and central headquarters building in Rensselaer County, N.Y.

"The main purpose of this move is to have all leadership in one spot," said John Scharf, communications leader of Momentive Performance Materials in the Americas. "This is a great spot for the facility to grow."

Momentive, which has offices all over the globe, is the world's second largest producer of silicones and silicone derivatives, and also develops and manufactures products derived from quartz and advanced ceramics, according to Scharf.

The company plans to move its corporate headquarters from Wilton to Rensselaer County on Aug. 1. Scharf said Momentive has yet to announce where in Rensselaer County it will settle, however.

The new headquarters will be 46,000 square feet, cost approximately $65 million and employ 120 people, said Scharf. The new technology center will be 124,000 feet, cost approximately $16 million and employ 130 people, said Scharf.

"The Wilton headquarters only employs 28 people," said Scharf. "So I would say there is a significant difference in the growth of the company. The main goal here is to keep everyone together in one place."

According to Scharf, the employees at the Wilton headquarters were notified of the move back in March of 2008.

"I don't think anyone was really surprised about this move," he said. "The Capital Region (Rensselaer County) is one of the biggest regions for our company globally, other than Japan and Germany."

According to Scharf, some of the Wilton employees will relocate to the new headquarters in Rensselaer County, along with other employees from Waterford, N.Y. and other locations around the United States. Jonathan Rich, Momentive's President and CEO is also relocating from Wilton to the Capital Region, said Scharf.

"This move will be the best thing for the company as a whole," said Scharf. "We want Momentive to continue to expand and grow. This move is definitely a step in the right direction."